December 14, 2025
The Horrific Incident Unfolds in Barus & Holley
The academic calm of Brown University’s Ivy League campus in Providence, Rhode Island, was shattered on Saturday, December 13, 2025, by a horrific active shooter incident. This devastating mass shooting, which unfolded during fall semester final exams, left two students dead and nine others injured, plunging the community into grief and fear. As law enforcement continues an intensive search for the suspect, the incident has reignited critical conversations around campus safety and the pervasive issue of gun violence in the USA.
The incident occurred around 4:00 PM EST, specifically within the Barus & Holley building, which houses the School of Engineering and the Physics Department. This normally bustling hub of innovation became the scene of unspeakable tragedy when a gunman opened fire in a first-floor classroom. Brown University President Christina Paxson confirmed the heartbreaking news that all ten individuals who were shot were students, underscoring the profound impact on the student body. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley also shared updates, confirming the casualties and expressing the city’s shock.
The Barus & Holley building at Brown University, scene of the tragic shooting.
Swift Emergency Response and Ongoing Search Efforts
Emergency responders swiftly transported eight of the injured students to Rhode Island Hospital. Reports indicated that six of these students were in critical but stable condition, one in critical condition, and another stable. An additional ninth victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries from fragments but left the scene before being formally transported. The rapid and extensive response from law enforcement, including the FBI and ATF, was immediate, with approximately 400 officers dispatched to the campus and surrounding affluent neighborhood, meticulously searching academic buildings, backyards, and porches.
Identifying the Suspect: A University-Wide Lockdown
The search for the suspect remains a top priority. Authorities have described the gunman as a male wearing dark clothing, potentially in his 30s, and possibly donning a camouflage mask. He was last seen fleeing the Barus & Holley building onto Hope Street. A university-wide lockdown was initiated, and a shelter-in-place order was issued for the greater Brown University area, creating a tense atmosphere as students, faculty, and local residents waited for updates. Despite initial reports of a suspect in custody, this was later clarified as incorrect, as the detained individual was found to be unconnected to the shooting.
A “shelter-in-place” alert issued during the campus lockdown.
Beyond the Campus: Broader Implications of Gun Violence and Campus Safety
This horrific event has, understandably, cast a long shadow over Providence, Rhode Island, and beyond. Governor Dan McKee remarked that “The unthinkable has happened,” echoing the sentiments of many grappling with the trauma. The incident also highlights a somber paradox: Rhode Island has some of the strictest gun laws in the U.S., including an assault weapons ban set to take full effect next summer. Yet, even such measures could not prevent this devastating act of gun violence on an Ivy League campus.
Community Impact and the Path Forward
The Brown University shooting serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by educational institutions and communities across the nation in ensuring campus safety. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the student victims, their families, and the entire university community as they navigate this profound loss and trauma. The collective hope is for justice for the victims and enhanced measures to prevent future tragedies.
A solemn candlelight vigil for the victims on the Brown University campus.
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